Commission presents results of Eurobarometer on Avian Flu

Europeans are well informed about avian influenza and
have confidence in the actions of EU and national authorities to tackle it, but
significant gaps in knowledge remain about the risks, according to a special
Eurobarometer survey on avian influenza published by the Commission.

Most respondents (between 70% and 80% according to the type of measures)
correctly identified specific surveillance, control and eradication measures
taken to prevent and contain avian
flu outbreaks, and 70% of respondents agree that EU public authorities are
guided in their actions by genuine concern about the health of European
citizens.

The survey reveals, however, that a significant percentage
of Europeans remain unsure about certain basic facts about avian flu. For
example, 28% do not know that avian flu cannot be transmitted through properly
cooked eggs and poultry meat. Most EU citizens replied that they had not reduced
their consumption of poultry products, and those that did indicated they had
done so only as a precaution.

"I am encouraged that most Europeans
are well informed about the risks relating to avian flu, and broadly trust
national and EU public authorities in their efforts to prevent and contain avian
flu," said European Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos
Kyprianou. "While it is natural that citizens are concerned about avian flu,
they need not be unduly alarmed. This survey suggests that a significant
proportion of Europeans still have misconceptions about the nature and effects
of the virus, and we still have work to do to communicate efficiently in this
area. As we prepare for a possible resurgence of avian influenza this autumn,
our challenge is to redouble our efforts to explain to European citizens what
the real risks are, and to act decisively without causing unnecessary
alarm."